It rains a lot in the capital of Tennessee. Yet don’t rush to cancel your trip. Instead, do these things and visit these 7 places on a rainy day in Nashville.
Last updated: May 28, 2025
Rainy Saga in Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is notable for sudden rainy outbursts. And when the rain starts, it may last for a while. Ouch… Not something you want to deal with during your visit to the Music City. But while strolling outside and exploring the city’s outdoor scenes may not look attractive any longer, there are plenty of things to do in Nashville on a rainy day without sacrificing your outfit or catching a cold.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE ON A RAINY DAY
DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE
1. Visit Ryman Auditorium
One of the best places to visit in Nashville on a rainy day is Ryman Auditorium. The truth is, it should be your first place to explore regardless of the weather conditions. Better known as home of the Grand Ole Opry, a weekly American country music stage concert, the auditorium tells you more about the musical side of the city than any other museums.
TIP: Give yourself about two hours to tour the auditorium and enjoy its numerous exhibits and even take your place onstage. Additionally, join a guided backstage tour for exclusive access to some venue’s working dressing rooms.
2. Check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is another iconic place to check out on a rainy day in Nashville. One of the largest museums in the world, the place is a proud owner of one of the biggest music collections worldwide. It’s home to more than hundred thousands sound records and photographs along with thousands of outfits worn by country artists. To see this rich artistic heritage of Nashville you may need not one, but several rainy days.
3. Step Inside the Tennessee State Museum
Probably not your first choice at any other time, the Tennessee State Museum comes as one of the perfect places to visit in Nashville on a rainy day. The place showcases expansive exhibits and depicts the story of Tennessee, Native American, Civil War, and military histories.
4. Explore Johnny Cash’s Legacy at the Johnny Cash Museum
If you are fond of country music (which you probably are since you make it to Nashville out of all places), skipping the Johnny Cash Museum is out of the question, regardless of whether it rains or shines outside. Nestled in the heart of downtown Nashville, the museum holds the biggest collection of artifacts that belonged to the prominent county music artist.
WEST END
5. Stop by the Parthenon
A full-size replica of a Greek monument is set in the middle of Centennial Park in West End Nashville. There is no straight answer why the Parthenon ended up in the city park. One theory suggests that it was a direct response to the nickname, “the Athens of the South”. As the tale goes, Nashville received this name years ago thanks to its ample colleges and universities.
Whether the theory is valid or not, the allure of the Parthenon is unquestionable. You may not be intrigued by the expansive park when it rains cats and dogs outside, but the interior design of the structure along with the 42-foot statue of Athena will enhance your Nashville experience tenfold.
READ MORE: Free Things to Do in Nashville
DAVIDSON COUNTY
6. Visit the Hermitage
Located ten miles east of downtown Nashville, the Hermitage is a historic plantation and a former home of Andrew Jackson. The seventh President of the USA owned this property from 1804 until 1845. Today, the Hermitage serves as a museum devoted to Jackson’s life and the Antebellum South.
THE BOULEVARD
7. Drive through Belle Meade Boulevard
One of the most compelling places to visit in Nashville on a rainy day is Belle Meade Boulevard or simply The Boulevard. You don’t need to get out of the car while exploring this area. Just drive around and check out some of the most opulent houses in Nashville.
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